Roar, Mariners share the spoils

Brisbane and Central Coast have played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Foxtel National Youth League on Saturday afternoon at Tuggerah.

Brisbane and Central Coast have played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Foxtel National Youth League on Saturday afternoon at Tuggerah.

In a match played under overcast skies, Hyundai A-League veteran Adam Kwasnik finished off a neat delivery from Michael Neill on the left-hand edge of the area to see the Mariners take the lead after 32 minutes before a second-half strike to the industrious Samuel Sibatuara levelled proceedings with 22 minutes remaining.

Brisbane came into the game searching for their second win of the campaign after defeating the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend whilst the Mariners were yet to register a win.

Kwasnik and then Anthony Caceres had chances to open the scoring inside the first quarter of an hour.

Kwasnik's glancing header clipped the crossbar in the seventh minute and then five minutes later Caceres had a shot from deep which was easily held by Brisbane goalkeeper Fraser Chalmers.

Brisbane coach Jeff Hopkins saw his side improve as the half wore on with Sibatuara and Shannon Brady able to make multiple runs into the home side's penalty area but couldn't get full value for their endeavours.

It proved costly as Kwasnik scored shortly after Brisbane's best period of play to end the brief Mariners malaise.

Kwasnik was in the play again shortly after before a Patrick Dixon shot hit the crossbar in the 38th minute.

Dixon, 20, had a further chance three minutes later to double the lead after Chalmers failed to handle Jacob Esposito's cross from the right.

Dixon took the ball away from goal then attempted to chip the stranded keeper but it was to no avail.

Patrick Zwaanswijk's youngsters continued in a positive manner in the second half with Dixon creating havoc on attack, ably supported by Kwasnik, Neill and Dillon Vorster.

Both sides played enterprising football during the second half with both defences kept busy.

The Roar's best chance early in the half fell to midfielder Mitchell Hore who had two attempts on goal in quick succession saved by Mariners skipper David Bradasevic.

It wasn't long until Brisbane levelled the scores in the 68th minute after Sibatuara was able to skip through the Mariners midfield on one of his many midfield runs before beating keeper Bradasevic with a shot from just outside the penalty area.

A late free kick to each side near the other's penalty area proved fruitless and ultimately the points were shared, which left last year's second-placed side still without a win after a month of the competition.